city of bethel public works committee regular meeting ...86032acb-92b0-4505-91… · 15/04/2020...
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Courtney Trammell Committee Chair Term Expires 2020 Alyssa Leary Committee Co‐Chair Council Representative Term Expires 2021
Jeff Sanders Committee Member Term Expires 2020
Ryan Butte Committee Member Term Expires 2020
Juan Delgado Committee Member Term Expires 2021 Gary Decossas Committee Member Term Expires 2022
Bill Arnold Public Works Director Ex‐ Officio Member
Charlie Dan Committee Recorder
City of Bethel Public Works Committee Regular Meeting ‐ Wednesday, April 15, 2020 5:30 pm City Hall Council Chambers, Bethel, AK
We are hosting our public meeting through Zoom. To join this meeting, follow these instructions: Go to the website, https://zoom.us/join or Call: (888) 475‐4499 Zoom Meeting ID: 529‐695‐285 Passcode: 257882
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PEOPLE TO BE HEARD – 5 minute limit
The City will be accepting written testimony from the public for each of our public meetings. Deadline to submit written testimony will be 4:00pm the day of the meeting. Please send written testimony to pwadmin@cityofbethel.net. If you have any questions, call 907‐543‐3110. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) February 19, 2020 Regular Meeting
b) March 18, 2020 Regular Meeting
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a) Amending BMC 08.12.020 and 08.12.030 (Leary) b) YK Fitness Center Freeze‐up Report (Butte) c) Recommendation for City Code Enforcer Follow up
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Hauled Utility – Issue Identification Work Session (Leary) b) Akakeek Street Water Issue (Butte)
VIII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
IX. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
If you have any questions, contact Public Works Office at pwadmin@cityofbethel.net or 907‐543‐3110
Posted April 9, 2020 at City Hall, AC Co., Swanson’s, and the Post Office.
Website: https://www.cityofbethel.org/publicworkscommittee
Charlie Dan, Public Works Assistant
Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes City of Bethel, Alaska February 19, 2020
City of Bethel, Alaska Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2020 Regular Meeting Bethel, Alaska I. CALL TO ORDER:
A regular Public Works Committee meeting was held on February 19, 2020 in the City Hall council chambers in Bethel, Alaska. Courtney Trammell called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Courtney Trammell, Alyssa Leary, Ryan Butte, Juan Delgado Also Present: Charlie Dan Excused Absence: Gary Decossas, Bill Arnold
III. PEOPLE TO BE HEARD:-5 Minute Limit IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOVED BY: Alyssa Leary Motion to approve the agenda. SECONDED BY: Ryan Butte VOTE ON MOTION Motion carried by unanimous vote.
V. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: MOVED BY: Alyssa Leary Motion to approve meeting minutes for 01-15-2020. SECONDED BY: Ryan Butte VOTE ON MOTION Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Ted Meyer had joined the committee VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MOVED BY: Alyssa Leary Motion to suspend the rules to hear from Ted Meyer,
Planning Director, regarding New Business item A. SECONDED BY: Ryan Butte VOTE ON MOTION Motion carried by unanimous vote.
A. Amending BMC 08.12.020 and 08.12.030- Shall review packet material from Anchorage,
Palmer, and Wasilla for ideas to revise the code. Should add a fine section to ensure compliance.
B. YK Fitness Center Freeze-up Report MOVED BY: Ryan Butte Motion to table agenda item. SECONDED BY: Juan Delgado VOTE ON MOTION Motion carried by unanimous vote.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Recommendation for City Code Enforcer Follow up: Make a “City Code Compliance Officer” a possibility/option.
Topics of discussion to include in recommendation: decipher whether it is civil or law enforcement required, improvement of City interdepartmental communications and on-going inspections.
Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes City of Bethel, Alaska February 19, 2020
Discussion-Consider improving interdepartmental communications. Example: A Business License should include an internal review from appropriate departments as an additional step or require the applicant to stop by the Planning Department to ensure municipal code compliance. Also, include a requirement for applicant to have all current appropriate documentation before business license can be approved/renewed.
IX. DIRECTORS REPORT: X. COMMITTEE MEMBER’S COMENTS:
C.Trammell- No Comment A.Leary- Hauled Utility Department staffing should be added to next month’s agenda. J.Delgado- R.Butte- No Comment
XI. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM. APPROVED 18th DAY OF MARCH, 2020.
______________________ ________________________ Courtney Trammell Charlie Dan Committee Chair Recorder of Minutes
Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes City of Bethel, Alaska March 18, 2020
City of Bethel, Alaska Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes March 18, 2020 Regular Meeting Bethel, Alaska I. Quorum:
Committee members gave prior notice that they will not be able to attend this meeting. No Quorum was established due to lack of members. APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF _____________, 2020.
______________________ ________________________ Courtney Trammell Charlie Dan Committee Chair Recorder of Minutes
1
CITY OF BETHEL William F. Howell III
Managers Office P.O. Box 1388, Bethel, Alaska 99559 Phone: (907)-543-2131
Fax: (907)-543-2702 Cell: (907) 545-4998
bhowell@cityofbethel.net
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
DATE: April 7, 2020
TO: Perry Barr, Mayor FROM: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report – March 16, 2020 through April 7, 2020 Current Events
• On April 7, triggered by the announcement of Bethel’s fist confirmed COVID-
19 case, the Bethel Emergency Operations Center BEOC was fully activated
(Level 3). City staff are meeting daily to deal with any incidents or needs
related to the outbreak of Coronavirus. Previously, the City was operating at a
partial or level 2 activation of the BEOC.
• A big warm welcome to our newest employee, Vinny Corazon. We look
forward to working with him as the new City Manager.
• Due to COVID-19, preparation of the FY 21 budget has been delayed. Given
the current circumstances, additional delay is expected. Administration is
working on a solution.
• The City Emergency Operations Plan update completed and disseminated to
appropriate agencies.
• Incident Command of the City’s Covid-19 Pandemic response was transferred
to the new City manager on April 6 at 2:00 p.m. I am in the process of re-
assuming my responsibilities as Fire Chief. I will give full support to the new
manager as he transitions into his leadership role.
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2
Ongoing Business
• Administration met with the City of Bethel Employees Association to discuss
prospective negotiation dates. Due to Corona Virus concerns and new federal
guidelines for limiting spread, negotiations are postponed until further notice.
• Administration and the Purchasing Agent are drafting updates to the P-Code
(BMC 420). A draft will be complete and submitted to the clerk soon.
• The City continues to work with our legal firm, Guess and Rudd and the school
district to remove the remaining building debris from the Kilbuck site.
• Per Council/Administration direction, the Public Works Director is developing a
plan for Spring/Summer 2020 repairs to the pool. He is calling meetings with
BSI, DOWL, City Attorney and APEI, the City’s insurance company to determine
the best course of action.
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MEMORANDUM DATE: April 6, 2020 TO: William F. Howell, III, Acting City Manager FROM: John Sargent, Grant Manager SUBJECT: Grant Manager’s Report – April 14, 2020 Bethel City Council Meeting Bethel Covid-19 Task Force Grant Applications I completed and submitted the City’s COPS Hiring Program grant to the Department of Justice for $125,000 to cover some of the costs associated with the hiring of a School Resource Officer. The Lower Kuskokwim School District agrees to pay 75% of the salary and benefits of the SRO for four years less the grant amount received. The City will pay 25% of the salary and benefits cost for the SRO during summers when he/she transitions to patrol officer. Grant Management Heat Trace Project The City of Bethel obtained a grant amendment on the City’s Infrastructure Protection Grant that expands the scope to include replacement of the heat trace for 2,000 linear feet of sewer pipe leaving the Police Station. The City’s electrician firm completed the original purpose of this grant: replacing/repairing the heat trace along the sewer pipe from the FAA lift station to the Q2 Lift Station for less cost than expected. Purchasing Agent Duties IT Services Three City employees are busy reviewing and scoring the four proposals submitted in response to the City’s RFP for the purchase of IT remote technical support services. A contract with selected firm will be presented to City Council for approval. Purchasing Code 4.20 I worked with the Acting City Manager to edit all text in the Purchasing Code 4.20 except the sections on appeals. The City Clerk will review and edit the Purchasing appeals parts to coincide with her other work on appeals in multiple sections of the BMC. Auditor I am preparing a Request for Bids for the City to hire auditors for the next five years. Administrative Duties
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Two of the six approved community action grant checks were cut: Native Village of Napaimute and Bethel Friends of Canines. The other four were impacted by Covid-19 response and will be distributed when, and if appropriate.
City of Bethel Grant Summary Fiscal Year 2020
Preparing
Sponsor
Name
Products/Services
City Depts. (Partners)
Date
$ Grant
$ City Match
AK Dept. of
Health and
Social
Services
Community
Service Patrol
Grant
Three CSPs to pick
up those incapable of
taking care of
themselves.
Police 4/1/20 $323,081
$0
Rasmuson
Foundation
Tier 1 Grant Feasibility Study to
construct a gym to
YK Fitness Center
Public
Works
July
2020 $25,000
0
Bethel
Community
Services
Foundation
Community
Grant
Feasibility Study to
construct a gym to
YK Fitness Center
Public
Works
July
2020 $15,000
0
United States
Dept. of Ag.-
Rural
Development
Water and
wastewater
grant/loan
program
Piped water and sewer
system in The Avenues
subdivision
Public
Works
Target
1/31/19
$13,321,000
$306,000
Submitted in Fiscal Year 2020 Most recent first
Sponsor Name Products/Services City Depts. Date
$ Grant $ Match
U.S. Dept. of
Justice, COPS
Office.
COPS Hiring
Program Grant
Salary and benefits of
School Resource
Officer
Police 3/11/20 $125,000
$117,744 City
$228,233 LKSD
YKHC
Diabetes
Control and
Prevention
Pgm.
Community
Activity &
Garden Award
Application
Weights and exercise
equipment for YK
Fitness Center
Admin. 02/28/20 $5,000
0
State of
Alaska
FY 21 State
Capital –
Designated
Legislative
Grant
1. Public Works
Building Repairs
($7,000,000)
2. Bethel Heights
Water & Sewer
Improvements
($10,146,000)
Public
Works
2/14/20 $18,346,000
0
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3
3. Dust Control
($1,200,000)
AK Div. of
Homeland
Sec. &
Emergency
Mgmt.
State
Homeland
Security
Program
Police body-worn &
in-car camera system;
extrication tools; laser
scanner; Emerg. Op.
Plan, Cyber Sec. Plan
Police,
Fire, IT
1/30/20 $317,655
0
AK Dept. of
Transportation
Statewide
Transportation
Improvement
Project (STIP)
Nomination
2020-2023
Akakeek, Ptarmigan,
Delapp Streets Heavy
Use Road Improvement
Project
Public
Works 9/15/19
$3,034,424
$494,886
Village Safe
Water Pgm,
Dept of Env.
Conservation
Sewer Lagoon
Improvements
Grant
New lagoon pump &
new skiff with trailer
Public
Works 8/13/19
$155,238
0
Approved in Fiscal Year 2020 Most recent first
Sponsor Name Products/Services
City
Depts. Date
$ Grant
$ Match
AK Dept. of
Transp.,
Transit
Division
Community
Transportation
Grant
Public transit system
operations
Public
Works
12/25/19 $316,832
U.S.
Department
of Justice,
COPS Office
School
Violence
Prevention
Program
Alert button mobile
phone Ap, exit door
bar alarms, card
reader door entry
system, controlled
front entrance.
Admin. 11/12/19 $500,000
$166,667 LKSD
AK Dept. of
Env.
Conservation,
Village Safe
Water
Program
Water and
Wastewater
Program
Design, build, and
install two electric
panels for City Hall
and City Shop and
complete current
rehab. of Main Lift
Station.
Public
Works
8/30/19 $279,827
Alaska Dept.
of Health and
Social
Services
Community
Service Patrol
Program
Community Service
Patrol Program
Public
Works 7/1/19 $323,081
$32,308 in-kind
AK Dept. of
Env.
Conservation,
Village Safe
Water
Program
Infrastructure
Protection
Funding
Replace heat trace
and/or electric panels
on sewer line from
Airport to FAA.
Public
Works 7/19/19 $137,700
$22,500 in-kind
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4
Alaska
Division of
Homeland
Security and
Emerg.
Mgmt.
State
Homeland
Security
Program Grant
Thermal imager &
fencing around tank at
water treatment plant Fire 8/19
$49,141
0
Total $1,606,581
Not Approved in Fiscal Year 2019 Most recent first
Sponsor Name Products/Services
City
Depts. Date $ Grant
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Memorandum Date: April 1, 2020 To: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager From: Bo Foley, IT Director Subject: IT Director’s Report _____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 3
March 2020 Current Events
COVID‐19:
Much of this month has been spent reacting to or preparing for COVID‐19, the Coronavirus.
Emergency Operations Center:
The Acting City Manager directed me to complete several tasks in order to establish an emergency
operations center (EoC). This involved setting up four new dedicated emergency phones as well
as trying to establish three additional analog phone lines in the Fire Department classroom, which
is the current designated EoC. I managed to set up the phones and United Utilities succeed in
getting one analog line up and running. We will finish the remaining lines at a date in the near
future.
Another part of my directive was to order some new equipment to try and have WiFi capability
established for the EoC and provide it with two additional conference phones. All of this
equipment has been ordered and the WiFi access point has been set up.
Finally, as a part of this preparation, I’ve been trying to work with the City Clerk to establish a
means of having Council Meetings able to be done remotely. We explored several options
including trying to have Council officials calling into one conference line while having the public
on another, but all of our solutions would always come up just shy of satisfactory. Further options
are being looked at.
Teleworking:
There has been concern about employees coming into the office and so I’ve been approached
about enabling employees to work from home. We definitely have the means to make that
happen, but there is a glaring bottleneck and that is the City’s bandwidth or rather lack of it. Our
Internet capabilities can handle the occasional few individuals hopping on for small pieces of time,
but to have multiple people or even entire departments trying to remote in for full shifts is an
obstacle we cannot surmount.
Our connection is stretched to its limits as it is and so the only real solution at this point is to either
increase our service or just deal with the frustration. As it is budget‐prep season, I’ve looked into
two routes that might provide the City some relief in this area. Not just for this crisis, but also for
future operations, but neither will be cheap. As we move towards an Internet‐centered world, if
we expect to keep up, we must take steps to have what passes for a strong connection in Bethel.
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Memorandum Date: April 1, 2020 To: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager From: Bo Foley, IT Director Subject: IT Director’s Report _____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 3
In light of COVID‐19, many corporations have started offering free upgrades and services to help
the people through this trying time. I have reached out to GCI to ask if they would extend us this
same curtesy just in case we do move to employees working from home. They told me they would
“look into my request”.
Remote Equipment:
Another challenge posed by this COVID‐19 situation is that if we do in fact move to employees
working from home, this only works if the employee has the equipment necessary to take the
steps. Not every employee has a decent home computer. Not every employee has GCI’s premium
Internet package. Both are necessary to facilitate fluid remote work. At the very least, GCI is
offering free Internet tier upgrades for the duration of this COVID‐19 situation to customers’
home modems.
During the last budget cycle, there was no way of knowing I was going to have to provide so many
laptops to facilitate a mobile workforce so when I ordered the new laptops for our hardware
rotation, I only got enough to change out what we had and to have a handful of spares on hand.
In light of this virus, I’ve had to activate all of my spares in preparation for us moving to towards
a work‐from‐home situation. The problem is that I do not have enough equipment for everyone.
At current, I only have eleven laptops that can be assigned for remote work. Desktop computers
must remain where they are so that they can communicate with the City’s servers.
Laptops that are assigned out must also be joined to our current Arctic Care roster so they can
receive all the various pieces of protective software that we need on every machine. There will
be a spike in Arctic Care costs due to having to bring in so many more machines than what was
estimated before COVID‐19 reached Alaska.
Remote Tech Support Services RFP:
This month we posted a request for proposal for the City’s remote tech support contract. The
current contract with Arctic IT is ending and in order to renew with them, we must go through the
procurement process once more so that other companies that may now be offering similar
services have a chance to respond. The RFP closes at the end of March.
Finished Hardware Rotation:
I’m pleased that I was able to finalize the City’s hardware rotation this month. With the exception
of one printer computer that should be replaced within a couple of weeks, no more Windows 7
machines are active on the network. This plugs any security vulnerabilities that are inherent with
running operating systems that Microsoft no longer supports. For the most part, the transition
Page 93 of 107
Memorandum Date: April 1, 2020 To: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager From: Bo Foley, IT Director Subject: IT Director’s Report _____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 3 of 3
hasn’t seemed too painful for users and there has been overall positive feedback about the new
equipment.
As far as the old equipment is concerned, it must be E‐recycled since we can no longer dispose of
it in the City landfill. As a security precaution, several internal components must be removed from
the systems and so it doesn’t make much sense to try and auction the equipment off either. I’ve
gotten in touch with a company in Anchorage that can help us with this. We need only send the
equipment to them via air carrier or barge and they will handle the rest.
Business‐As‐Usual:
Beyond the above‐mentioned items, the month has been spent fixing or helping with run‐of‐the‐
mill trouble tickets such as email issues, printing/scanning, cellphone replacement, missing
network drives, login problems, etc.
Future Plans
Weathering COVID‐19:
Unfortunately, COVID‐19 has pumped the brakes on many future plans. Not only has it disrupted
normal operations for the City, but it is effecting operations of companies I’m depending on for
certain plans as well as delivery schedules for orders of equipment and services. Some irons I had
in the fire involved contractors flying out for onsite visits, but with the travel ban, those
appointments will be placed on hold. For now, the future plans are to weather COVID‐19 as best
we can.
Page 94 of 107
To: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager
From: Ted Meyer, Planner
Subject: March Manager’s Report
Date: April 1, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
SUBDIVISIONS
Blue Sky Estates Subdivision
Road construction is still scheduled for summer 2020. Staff requested and received a fee proposal for
inspection of subdivision roads from DOWL This fee is included in the FY21 planning department budget (the
fee includes road inspections for ONC and Tanqik Subdivisions as well).
ONC Ciullkulek Subdivision
Nothing to report this month.
Tanqik Subdivision
Nothing to report this month.
REZONING ACTIVITIES
Ongoing- Staff is still compiling and processing data to be presented to the Planning Commission for
developing a new residential zoning designation for lots in the ASHA housing subdivision area and two other
residential enclaves in old Bethel. The objective is to bring these properties into compliance with BMC
18.80.050 (Conversion of Legal Nonconforming Lots), and in the process, allow lot sizes smaller than 9,000
square feet, which is currently a standard in the Residential Zone.
Tasks include researching other municipal zoning codes, developing multiple maps and spreadsheets showing
property and building square footage, performing a windshield land use survey, discussion with the local banks,
and writing a report for presentation to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission hearing is
tentatively scheduled for later in the year because of the need for a big turnout of subdivision residents.
SITE PLAN PERMITS
The first Site Plan Permit application of the year was received on March 31.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
Staff received a Conditional Use Permit application for a marijuana cultivation facility on March 6th and
received a CUP application for a marijuana retail store on March 26.
PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND FEES
Staff continues the ongoing process of updating all forms and applications, These documents are now being
made fillable for online users. This process has been a challenge as far as functionality is concerned. The Site
Plan Permit Application is currently being overhauled in anticipation of the 2020 development season.
For now, the Planning Department is accepting electronic permit applications only. Staff also worked with the
Finance Department to establish electronic payment for all permit fees.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Staff continues to work with the City Attorney on code enforcement issues.
Page 95 of 107
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
March 12, 2020 Planning Commission Hearing
1. The Army Corps of Engineers gave a presentation regarding clarifications of the Bethel Wetland
General Permit Program in terms of the planning department’s Site Plan Permit Application process. In
response, planning staff made requested text revisions on the City Website regarding the Wetland
General Permit Program, and has submitted a proposed text revision of BMC 15.12.060 for
consideration at the upcoming April 9 Planning Commission hearing.
2. The Commission approved a request from Blue Sky Estates, LLC and a recommendation from the
planning department for zoning the planned subdivision as Residential on the north side of BIA Road,
and as Neighborhood Commercial for three lots on the south side of the road. A proposed ordinance for
approval of the PC action will be delivered shortly to the City Clerk for final approval from the City
Council.
ASHA HOUSING ROADS
Planning staff is assisting the Public Works Department in determining ownership and maintenance
responsibility of cul-de-sacs inside the subdivision.
MAPPING
Using the new GIS mapping system, staff developed a map with tables showing the locations of all B & B’s in
the city, by zoning district. Submitted to City Manager.
Page 96 of 107
PORT OF BETHEL
Post Office Box 1388 Bethel, Alaska 99559 Voice: 907-543-2310 Fax: 907-543-2311
TO: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager
FROM: Allen Wold, Port Director
SUBJECT: March 2020 Managers Report
Small Boat Harbor -Snow removal for the road and housing around the East Addition.
City Dock/Beach 1/Petro Port -Customers in and out of the Dock. 2 crews working. -Maintaining access for use of Dock, Beach 1, and Petro Yard. -Cleaned up Petro Port yard and building.
Port Office -Property Maintenance checking on building daily. -Ordered office furniture. -Cleaning office daily with disinfectant.
Admin -Monthly Storage billing for customers.
-Training City Dock Attendant in heavy equipment and preparing him for his C.D.L. -Port Commission on 3/16/20. No quorum. -Went over billing with Assistant Finance Director. -Made a contingency plan for COVID 19. -Working on FY21 Budget -Meetings with Directors about COVID 19.
Seawall -Consistent clean up. -City Dock Attendant checking on lower access every morning in the wintertime. Snow removal along the Lower Access Rd. -Fixed Cable Fencing. -Cleared all access onto the river with loader.
Misc. -Inventory of tools, cleaning supplies, etc. in office and shops. -Organized Slough shop, tool connex, and Petro Port.
-Fueled up all heaters in Petro Port and Slough shop to work on our equipment. -V&E working on our pickups. -Streets and Roads using our gravel.
Page 97 of 107
William Arnold, Public Works Director
1155 Ridgecrest Drive
PO Box 1388 Bethel, AK 99559
P: (907) 543-3110
F: (907) 543-2046
warnold@cityofbethel.net
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 03.31.2020
TO: Bill Howell, Acting City Manager
FROM: Bill Arnold, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Manager’s Report – Public Works Department
Programs/Divisions
Hauled Utilities: Most of this month, as everyone knows, has been a real struggle. Thanks
to some great directive from the Public Works Director, hard work from V&E and my crew, we
have made it past that hardship. Currently we have 13 Drivers, and I make 14 on the crew.
Going forward into April, we are caught up and are able to complete most extra calls as they
come in. I anticipate being able to continue on my goals of stream lining routes once my assistant
is in place and up to speed.
Utility Maintenance: 12 alarms on residential lift stations were responded to. Multiple
issues with grinder pumps, heat trace, and float systems.
Monthly meter reading and service connections were completed
Clean up and organization of shops and vehicles.
12 residential lift station repairs
Line flushing and leveling activities on low-flow and plugged sewer lines. Non-
compliance reports were filled out per DEC requirements.
Daily safety meeting
Replaced multiple residential glycol and water circulating pumps.
All three Utility Maint. Trucks are having issues that require repairs. Several of these are
major safety issues. Continue to work with V&E to repair them, but some issues are
arising due to two of the vehicles are more than 10 years old
Drain valve broke by 153 First Road housing, Repaired
Continue to monitor water leak on first road. Emergency repair parts ordered and ready.
Property Maintenance: PW Building
o Boilers are found in lockout several times each week. Working with contractor to
resolve issue.
City Hall
o Repaired several thermostat issues, several low voltage power transformer issues and
the front entrance locking mechanism.
Page 98 of 107
Court House
o Boiler system has been failing to go into high fire setting, but system is remains hot
enough to heat the building adequately. This will need to be troubleshot this summer.
YKFC - Pool
o Pool is on daily observation by building maintenance staff. Sometimes several times a
day.
o Architects Alaska and mechanical engineering firm visited to survey problems within
the building that will need addressed.
o Long Building Technologies contractor site visit: (Report from contractor still
pending)
Senior Center
o Upper second deck collapsed onto first floor deck. Wood beams completely rotted out
by weather and water exposure.
Old Shop utility Building
o Fuel line freeze-up issues. Replaced entire fuel line section from day tank to Toyo
stoves in the office area.
Road Maintenance: With weather changes, we have been thawing culverts for two weeks in March. It has been a
slow process due to the culverts being frozen from one end to the other. There are also big snow
berms that mask the entrance/exit on both ends that we have to dig out with 420D backhoe.
Streets and Roads has been out plowing snow for the first part of March when there were
snowstorms. Then, graded the last weeks of March when it turned to rain. If it were going to
freeze at night, we would grade right before it froze so that it would freeze smoothly. During the
day, we use gravel to keep it smooth and to fix rough spots, but we are now out of D-1 gravel.
With the big thaw coming in April, there is going to be some bad roads.
Streets and Roads dug two graves at the new cemetery by the airport with 420D backhoe. Aver
drilled through the frozen ground and dug the rest of it with the backhoe.
Whenever we had time, we would dig the snow from the ends of the culverts with the 420D
backhoe. We did this so that the culvert ends will have chance to thaw and will be a little easier
to find.
Vehicles and Equipment: Fixed lots of stuff first batch of trucks off to Seattle on Mar 24th
Transit System: The March weather has reverted to the more traditional winter / spring /winter and back to
spring. Streets and Roads have been busy trying to keep the roads pass able, however that is
almost impossible. The drivers have had a difficult time keeping up with the time schedule
because of the roads and weather.
Bethel road conditions have a heavy toll on vehicles and our buses are maxing out. The State
DOT recommends that buses be phased out when they are seven years old and/or 200,000 miles.
However in our, Bethel, road conditions and weather DOT has said they would consider
Page 99 of 107
replacement on a case-by-case bases. The bus purchased in October of 2014, 6 years old, but has
150,500+ miles, Bus 438 our oldest and smallest bus was purchased in 2008, 12 years old, and
has 130,000+ miles and our new bus, purchased October 2019, has 16,500+ miles on it. We
have surpluses Bus 436 and Bus 437. The current transit grant, FY20, has funding for a new bus
but the Federal Government hasn’t released the capital funds yet.
The July, August, September, November, December and January Budget Summaries have been
submitted and approved but not all have been paid. We are working on the February one and as
soon as the Finance Department closes out February we will be able to finish it. Reimbursement
for the new has been approved but hasn’t been paid yet.
The spring of 2017 the State, DOT, was here and did a Compliance and Review we worked on
the findings and submitted them last fall. They, DOT, continues to review what we have
submitted and they are helping us to meet their requirements. We still have a couple to
complete.
The COVID-19 virus has had an impact on not only the City’s Transit System but Transit
Systems across the State and Nation. The week of March 23, we implemented the “social
distance” recommendations and limited the bus capacity to 6 passengers. It was extremely
difficult and almost impossible to implement. On March 25 there was a Citywide meeting on the
in’s and outs of COVID-19 and it was decided to temporary shutdown the Bethel Transit System.
As of March 26, it was shutdown. We will wait for further direction from the City Manager as to
when to start up again.
I plan to retire in June and the City will need to look for a new Transit Manager. This has been a
fun but very challenging job and I wish the new Transit Manager good luck.
Landfill / Recycle Center: We have spent a lot of time this past month trying to move snow so that the roads have a little
less impact when the snow melts. It has helped, but there is a large area where we have no
control over. Bottom line is it’s going to be a wet and muddy spring.
Water Plant Operations: Bethel Heights Water plant
o Both Main boilers are online and operating for winter. Minor service needed.
Small boiler placed in “off” status for winter
Plant is in lock down no outside visitors
City Sub Water Plant
o Minor adjustments and repairs being made to the A and B loop glycol line returns and
supply. Pump boiler pressures up with additional glycol and brought boilers to
online/operational status for winter.
o Plant is in lock down no outside visitors
Institutional Corridor Update:
Page 100 of 107
Staffing Issues/Concerns/Training:
Chart Updated: 03/31/2020
Department Hauled
Utilities Utility Maintenance
Landfill Vehicles & Equipment
Streets & Roads
Bethel Transit
Property Maintenance
Filled Positions
14 7 3 5 5 3 5
Total Funded Positions
18 9 4 6 5 3 5
Page 101 of 107
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